Chambers's Journal of Popular Literature, Science, and Art, No. 736, February 2, 1878

A lively portrait opens with the narrator’s recollection of a memorable evening in Edinburgh, where the charming Miss Stirling Graham first caught their eye. A petite, unmarried lady of genteel birth, she moves effortlessly among Scotland’s literary and legal circles, sprinkling her conversation with the sweet cadence of Burns‑style Scots. Her lineage ties her to the infamous Viscount Dundee, adding a hint of historical intrigue to her already captivating presence.

Beyond her graceful manners, Miss Graham reveals a hidden talent for theatrical impersonation. Known for harmless yet brilliant “mystifications,” she delights friends by adopting the voices and mannerisms of both aristocratic and humble Scottish women, turning social gatherings into gentle spectacles of wit. The opening anecdote teases a clever ruse on a prominent lawyer, promising listeners a series of amusing escapades that showcase her sharp observation and love of playful deception.